“My Lord, What a Morning” and More NEW Organ Titles from Lorenz Friday, December 29, 2023
recommended by Christopher B., Organ Music Specialist
My Lord, What a Morning (Spirituals for Every Season) arr. Roberta Rowland-Raybold
Roberta Rowland-Raybold’s settings of eight spirituals for organ are a heartfelt tribute to the African American spiritual tradition, deeply influenced by Eileen Guenther’s book, “In Their Own Words.” The expressive dimension of the original words and music is at the forefront of these varied pieces, all of which are based on spirituals that are familiar and widely used in today’s churches. Titles include: “My Lord, What a Morning,” “Deep River,” “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me,” “River of Peace (I’ve Got Peace Like a River),” “Sweet Chariot (Swing Low, Sweet Chariot),” “Steal Away,” “Balm in Gilead,” and “Were You There.”
Postludes for Rejoicing (Hymn Settings for Organ) arr. Douglas E. Wagner
Colorful harmonies and vibrant rhythms characterize these joyous postludes by Douglas E. Wagner that are sure to bring a lively conclusion to any worship service. This collection includes nine pieces based on well-known hymn tunes, alongside one original composition. Titles include: “Postlude on Picardy,” “Postlude on Diadem,” “Recessional on Lasst uns erfreuen,” “He Is King of Kings,” “Fanfare and Postlude on Easter Hymn,” “Recessional,” “Trumpet Tune on Hyfrydol,” “Postlude on Faithfulness,” “One Lord, One Faith, One Birth,” and “Flourish on Salzburg.”
All Things Now Living (Organ Settings for the Church Year) arr. Emma Lou Diemer
Emma Lou Diemer’s renowned organ music requires no introduction, having been a staple in the repertoire of American organists for decades. This collection of brief hymn reflections showcases her distinctive creativity, offering seven varied tunes that span the seasons. Titles include: “Let All Things Now Living,” “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross,” “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “Prelude on Kingsfold,” “The Friendly Beasts,” “The King of Love My Shepherd Is,” and “What Wondrous Love Is This.”
Hymns of Comfort (Reflective Organ Music for Worship) arr. Marvin Gaspard
Marvin Gaspard, recognizing music’s profound role in providing comfort for all, has crafted seven soothing arrangements of beloved hymns, highlighting themes of hope and comfort. These gentle, expressive settings are ideal for enhancing worship services, weddings, and memorial services. Titles include: “Be Still, My Soul,” “Be Thou My Vision,” “Come Down, O Love Divine,” “God Will Take Care of You,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts,” and “The Lord’s My Shepherd.”
Collage for Organ (Music for Worship or Recital) by David Lasky
This collection by David Lasky offers a diverse array of characterful pieces, including free meditations, postludes, and hymn settings. Prioritizing practicality for worship, Lasky’s compositions span from the energetic “Trumpet Rondeau” to the emotive “Plaint” and the memorable “Postlude à la Rumba.”
All Glory Be to Christ (Hymn Settings for Organ) arr. Alejandro D. Consolacion II
This collection of seven hymn settings by Alejandro D. Consolacion II draws from his rich background as an organist, composer, and improviser both in the USA and his native Philippines. While six settings offer quiet, expressive preludes and offertories, the rendition of the Welsh hymn tune CWM RHONDDA is a lively, sparkling scherzo that builds to full organ. Titles include: “All Glory Be to Christ,” “This Is My Father’s World,” “Fairest Lord Jesus,” “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer,” “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” “The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended,” and “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded.”
Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Author:
Christopher B. grew up in eastern Kentucky in a musically diverse family, and began playing organ at the age of 12. He majored in vocal performance with minors in keyboards and conducting at Marshall University and later received a Master of Theological Studies in congregational ministry from Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Christopher has served as a church music director and organist for more than 20 years, presently serving as Director of Music and Worship Arts/Organist at Church of the Master United Methodist in Westerville, OH.